NFL Draft prospect and former Univ. of Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray is one of four finalists to be on the cover of EA Sports' "NCAA Football 12," and many OU fans have "taken the voting seriously -- at least semi-seriously," according to Jake Trotter of the DAILY OKLAHOMAN. OU fan site LandThieves.com has "launched parody-like campaign attack ads" against Murray’s competition: former Alabama RB Mark Ingram, former Auburn DT Nick Fairley and former Washington QB Jake Locker. One ad says, "What do we know about Jake Locker? In 2008, Jake Locker led the Huskies to a perfect record. ... A perfect losing record! DeMarco Murray has a superb record, including a 25-0 record at home. ... Vote DeMarco Murray, he protects his house." Trotter notes on top of "landing the lucrative licensing fee, gracing the NCAA Football cover has become a big honor." Murray said, "It would be sweet to be on the cover for that game." Meanwhile, former Auburn QB Cam Newton was "one of those considered" for the cover, but EA Sports Senior Product Marketing Manager Randy Chase said that the company opted for his teammate Fairley, "since a defensive tackle has never been on the cover" (DAILY OKLAHOMAN, 3/17).

FIVE FOR FIGHTING: Murray was one of five NFL Draft prospects whose endorsement deals with adidas was announced yesterday. The other players are CB Prince Amukamara, WR Jerrel Jernigan, TE Kyle Rudolph and WR Titus Young. The players will be featured in adidas' marketing efforts and will wear adidas gear as NFL players (adidas). Jernigan, when asked yesterday about his Draft preparations, noted he "just signed a deal" with adidas. Jernigan: "So I’ve had photo shoots and other things like that. It’s very hectic" (BLEACHERREPORT.com, 3/16).